Senators News

Shoulder injury shelves Winchester for pre-season

Senators head coach Paul MacLean confirmed today that the veteran forward will miss the entire pre-season schedule with a shoulder injury suffered when he crashed hard into the boards during a scrimmage Saturday on the opening day of Ottawa's training camp at the Bell Sensplex.

"At this point in time, I don't anticipate him being back for any exhibition games in training camp," MacLean said at the conclusion of Day 2 of Senators camp. "We'll evaluate him at the end of training camp and see what progress he's made and what decision we have to make then."

Given the increased competition for forward spots on the Senators roster, MacLean acknowledged Winchester faces a serious game of catchup to re-establish himself in the lineup.

"It’s a disappointment for him and it’s not like he was having a bad day or anything like that," he said. "(Winchester) has played in the league, so he’s an NHL player, and any time you miss that opportunity as a player in training camp, it can be a huge blow to your season. But he’s a real fit guy and we’ll see where this injury takes him."

For Winchester, a native of nearby Long Sault, Ont., it's mindful of two years ago, when he had his pre-season shortened by a right knee injury that kept him out of the lineup until early November — an absence of six weeks.

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Here's the lineup released by the Senators for Monday's pre-season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada. It currently includes six extras — one goalie, two defenceman and three forwards: